English Premier League scheduling using simulated annealing

This is the first known attempt at scheduling the English Premier League (EPL), which is a NP-hard problem, in the literature. In this research an initial schedule is created using a ‘polygon’ construction method, a method which originates in graph theory. Two distinct simulated annealing metaheuristic solving methodologies are then created to improve this initial schedule. One method is based on a temperature schedule, finite epoch length and reheats while the other is based on a gradually reducing temperature schedule and non-finite epoch length. These two methods were evaluated with respect to solution quality (total penalty), reliability (variation of solution quality over numerous trials) and speed. The official schedule used by the EPL organisers was used for comparison. It was found that the first method produced comparable results, while the second produced improved results. The second method was validated over three seasons and consistently performed well. The findings in this research can be used as the maiden real-world framework and benchmark for the unsolved EPL scheduling problem in the sports scheduling literature

O PRINCÍPIO ÉTICO FREIREANO COMO FERRAMENTA DE ANÁLISE DO PROJETO DE LEI 867/2015 – ESCOLA SEM PARTIDO

A pesquisa efetuada buscou simetrias e assimetrias entre o Projeto de Lei 867/2015, que visa incluir em meio às diretrizes e bases da educação nacional o “Programa Escola Sem Partido” e a obra Pedagogia do Oprimido, na qual Paulo Freire evidencia as características e fundamentos de seus princípios éticos. Para tal, a metodologia adotada foi a análise comparativa, que nos levou a identifi car como simetrias a existência de algumas categorias comuns, como a existência de concepções de “aluna/o”, “professor/a” e “ato educativo”, embora com sentidos divergentes em cada uma das obras. O segundo passo confrontar o resultado obtido na análise de cada obra feita separadamente, a fi m de perceber possíveis deslocamentos e transformações entre o que é proposto pelo PL e o que diz Freire. Como resultado, percebemos que, embora se anuncie como uma defesa ao direito de aprender, na realidade o PL é uma proposta anacrônica, um ataque a direitos já consolidados. Os escritos de Freire fornecem uma concepção crítica, que leva em conta categorias importantes, como a democracia e o diálogo, elencados pelos autores do trabalho como fundamentais para uma educação verdadeiramente plural e com a possibilidade de humanização

Effects of nitrogen fertilization and seasons on the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã (Brachiaria brizantha) grass

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn.The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn

Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Oligosaccharides with Special Attention to Antiparasitic Potential

The global rise of infectious disease outbreaks and the progression of microbial resistance reinforce the importance of researching new biomolecules. Obtained from the hydrolysis of chitosan, chitooligosaccharides (COSs) have demonstrated several biological properties, including antimicrobial, and greater advantage over chitosan due to their higher solubility and lower viscosity. Despite the evidence of the biotechnological potential of COSs, their effects on trypanosomatids are still scarce. The objectives of this study were the enzymatic production, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects of COSs. NMR and mass spectrometry analyses indicated the presence of a mixture with 81% deacetylated COS and acetylated hexamers. COSs demonstrated no evidence of cytotoxicity upon 2 mg/mL. In addition, COSs showed interesting activity against bacteria and yeasts and a time-dependent parasitic inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated a parasite aggregation ability of COSs. Thus, the broad biological effect of COSs makes them a promising molecule for the biomedical industry.publishersversionpublishe

Nivel de estrés y evaluación preliminar del síndrome de Burnout en enfermeras de UCI en COVID-19.-Estudio de caso

ResumoObjetivo:Analisar o nível de estresse e sinais preliminares da Síndromede Burnoutnosenfermeiros que trabalham nas Unidades de Terapia Intensivas (UTIs)daCOVID-19e, nasdemais UTIs, no contexto da pandemia.Metodologia:Estudotransversal, descritivocomabordagem quantitativo do tipo analítico,de um contexto específico, executado de fevereiro a maio de 2021, com enfermeiros dasUTIs, de um Hospital de Ensino, dointerior do estado de São Paulo. Foi aplicado um formulário estruturadopor meio doGoogle Forms, associadosaosQuestionário de Stressnos Profissionais de Saúdede Gomes & TeixeiraeQuestionário JBEILI,inspirado no Maslach Burnout Inventory –MBI(Chafic Jbeili).Para as análises estatísticas, foi adotado o nível designificância p ≤ 0,050, sendo realizadas análises de correlação,teste de normalidade,testes estatísticosWilcoxon, U de Mann-Whitney e Correlação de Spearman.Resultados:A população do estudo foi composta por 61 enfermeiros. Destes,38 atuam nas UTIs COVID-19e23,nasdemais UTIs. Nãohouvediferença estatística significativa, em relação ao nível de estresse e a análise preliminar de Burnout entre os dois grupos. Quanto ao nível de estresse global identificados no QSPS, a classificação de “bastante estresse”foi predominante(34%), seguido de elevado estresse (24%). Na análise preliminar de Burnout, 82% da populaçãototalapresentoua Síndrome de Burnout, sendoa classificação “Fase inicial da Burnout” a mais pronunciada.Conclusão: Os resultadospontuam níveisde estresse global de “bastante” a “elevado”e predomínio da fase inicial e de instalação da síndrome de Burnoutem enfermeiros das UTIs COVID-19 e demais UTIs.Objective:Analyze the level of stress and preliminary signs of Burnout Syndrome in nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of COVID-19and, in other ICUs, in the context of the pandemic. Methodology:Cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative analytical approach, carried out from February to May 2021, with nurses from the ICUs of a Teaching Hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo. We applied a structured form through Google Forms, associated with the Health Professional Stress Questionnaire from Gomes & Teixeira and the JBEILI Questionnaire, inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory –MBI (Chafic Jbeili). For statistical analyses, the significance level ofp ≤ 0.050 was adopted, and correlation analysis, normality test, Wilcoxon statistical tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests were performed. Results:The study population consisted of 61 nurses. Of these, 38 work in the COVID-19ICUs and 23in the other ICUs. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the level of stress and the preliminary analysis of Burnout between the two groups. As for the level of global stress identified in the QSPS, the classification of high stress (34%) predominated, followed by high stress (24%) and, concerning the preliminary analysis of Burnout, 82% of the total population presented theBurnout Syndrome, predominating the classification "Initial Stage of Burnout." Conclusion:The results score global stress levels from “quite” to “high” and predominance of the initial and installation phase of Burnout syndrome in nursesfrom COVID-19 ICUs and other ICUs.The results point to global stress levels ranging from “quite”to “high”stress, with Burnout predominating in nurses in the COVID-19ICUs and other ICUs in the initial phase and beginning of the syndrome's onsetObjetivo:Analizar el nivel de estrés y signos preliminares del Síndrome de Burnout en enfermeros que laboran en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) del COVID-19y, en otras UCI, en el contexto de la pandemia. Metodología:Estudio descriptivo transversal con abordaje analítico cuantitativo, realizado de febrero a mayo de 2021, con enfermerosde las UCI de un Hospital Docente del interior del estado de São Paulo. Se aplicó un formulario estructurado através de Google Forms, asociado al Health Professional Stress Questionnaire de Gomes & Teixeira y al JBEILI Questionnaire, inspirado en el Maslach Burnout Inventory -MBI (Chafic Jbeili). Para los análisis estadísticos se adoptó el nivel de significancia de p ≤ 0,050 y se realizaron análisis de correlación, prueba de normalidad, pruebas estadísticas de Wilcoxon, U de Mann-Whitney y pruebas de correlación de Spearman. Resultados:La población de estudio estuvo conformada por 61 enfermeras. De estos, 38 trabajan en las UCI COVID-19y 23 en las otras UCI. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al nivel de estrés y el análisispreliminar de Burnout entre los dos grupos. En cuanto al nivel de estrésglobal identificado en el QSPS, predominó la clasificación de estrés alto (34%), seguido de estrés alto (24%) y,en cuanto al análisis preliminar de Burnout, el 82% de la población total presentó el Síndrome de Burnout, predominando la clasificación "Etapa inicial de Burnout". Conclusión:Los resultados puntúan los niveles de estrés global de “bastante” a “alto” y predominio de la fase inicial y de instalación del síndrome de Burnout en enfermeros de UCI COVID-19 y otras UTI.Conclusion:Los resultados apuntan a niveles de estrés global que van desde “bastante”a “alto”estrés, con predominio del Burnout en enfermeras de lasUCI COVID-19y otras UCI en la fase inicial y comienzo del inicio del síndrome.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

DEPRESSÃO E SOFRIMENTO PSÍQUICO EM AMBIENTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS DE PESSOAS LGBTQIA+

Com o objetivo de identificar a prevalência do autorreconhecimento de depressão na população universitária LGBTQIA+. Para tanto realizou-se um estudo de campo com abordagem qualitativa com 66 universitários que se autorreconheceram como pertencentes à comunidade LGBTQIA+. O ambiente de pesquisa foram as diversas redes sociais da internet, através da disseminação do Inventário Beck de Depressão, pelo método Bola de Neve iniciado em julho de 2020, e finalizado em novembro do mesmo ano. Os estudantes universitários de Fortaleza, no estado do Ceará, apresentaram grau de depressão leve, com maior incidência de sintomatologia depressiva grave e moderada nas orientações sexuais/identidades de gênero: assexual; bissexual e gay. O ambiente universitário, apesar de ser considerado um espaço libertário e libertador das amarras das imposições heteronormativas, ainda é fortemente influenciado por essa heteronormatividade opressora e discriminante, fazendo com que as causas da depressão em universitários LGBTQIA+ sejam as mesmas replicadas durante séculos de opressão heteronormativa

PCR identification of lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage inoculated with lyophilised or activated Lactobacillus buchneri

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 105 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1 g/tonne fodder) in the forms of the lyophilised inoculant and pre-activated inoculant. Purified isolates from corn silage with and without the inoculant were identified, and 93% of the isolates corresponded to the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus plantarum. Among the isolates, no bacteria of the species L. buchneri were detected. The application of lyophilised or activated L. buchneri improved the microbiological profile and reduced ethanol production in corn silage, even without being identified among the isolates captured 70 days after ensilage. Highlights: Lactic acid bacteria showed greater development at 7 days of fermentation. Lactobacillus plantarum predominated at 70 days, representing 93% of the total LAB population. Lactobacillus buchneri improved its microbiological profile with decreased ethanol production.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 105 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1 g/tonne fodder) in the forms of the lyophilised inoculant and pre-activated inoculant. Purified isolates from corn silage with and without the inoculant were identified, and 93% of the isolates corresponded to the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus plantarum. Among the isolates, no bacteria of the species L. buchneri were detected. The application of lyophilised or activated L. buchneri improved the microbiological profile and reduced ethanol production in corn silage, even without being identified among the isolates captured 70 days after ensilage. Highlights: Lactic acid bacteria showed greater development at 7 days of fermentation. Lactobacillus plantarum predominated at 70 days, representing 93% of the total LAB population. Lactobacillus buchneri improved its microbiological profile with decreased ethanol production

Structural assessment, toxicity, and increased antimicrobial activity

Scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active components and various peptides with high-potential therapeutic use that have been characterized for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Stigmurin is a peptide identified from the Tityus stigmurus venom gland with high antibacterial and antiproliferative activities and low toxicity. Amino acid substitutions in peptides without a disulfide bridge sequence have been made with the aim of reducing their toxicity and increasing their biological activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural conformation and structural stability, as well as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and hemolytic activities of two peptide analogs to Stigmurin, denominated StigA6 and StigA16. In silico analysis revealed the α-helix structure for both analog peptides, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. Data showed that the net charge and hydrophobic moment of the analog peptides were higher than those for Stigmurin, which can explain the increase in antimicrobial activity presented by them. Both analog peptides exhibited activity on cancerous cells similar to the native peptide; however, they were less toxic when tested on the normal cell line. These results reveal a potential biotechnological application of the analog peptides StigA6 and StigA16 as prototypes to new therapeutic agents.publishersversionpublishe

Desempenho produtivo e parâmetros sanguíneos de vacas leiteiras em pastejo suplementadas com resíduos de feijão

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplement bean residue on growth performance and blood parameters of dairy cows grazing. Eight crossbred cows weighing 500 kg were analyzed, distributed in 4×4 double Latin square, and fed with 134, 240, 348, and 449 g kg‑1 of a supplementary diet of bean waste in the concentrated feed. The animals received the supplementation after milking in the morning and in the afternoon. The inclusion of bean residues did not change average body weights and body scores; however, it reduced the milk production. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solid contents (g kg‑1) were not changed by bean waste inclusion. Blood glycose and cholesterol did not change before the offering of the concentrated feed diet, nor after four to six hours of feeding this diet. The inclusion of bean residues in the concentrated feed of dairy cows subjected to grazing, with a daily average production of 13 kg, reduces milk production. However, the use of these residues has little effect on milk composition and blood parameters.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da alimentação suplementar de resíduos de feijão no desempenho produtivo e nos parâmetros sanguíneos de vacas leiteiras em pastejo. Foram utilizadas oito vacas mestiças, com peso médio de 500 kg, distribuídas em duplo quadrado latino 4×4, alimentadas com alimentação suplementar de 134, 240, 348 e 449 g kg‑1 de resíduos de feijão na ração concentrada. Os animais receberam a suplementação após a ordenha no período da manhã e da tarde. A inclusão de resíduos de feijão não alterou os pesos corporais médios e os escores corporais; no entanto, reduziu a produção de leite. Os teores de gordura, proteína bruta, lactose e extrato seco total não foram alterados pela inclusão dos resíduos de feijão. A concentração sanguínea de glicose e colesterol não foi alterada pela adição do resíduo antes do fornecimento de ração concentrada e nem quatro e seis horas após essa alimentação. A inclusão dos resíduos de feijão na ração concentrada de vacas leiteiras em pastejo, com produção média diária de 13 kg, reduz a produção de leite. Todavia, a utilização desses resíduos pouco influencia a composição do leite e os parâmetros sanguíneos